Google acquired Redux, a United Kingdom startup focused on audio and haptics

A spokesperson for Google refused to comment on the price of the acquisition or any further details. "Moreover, our surface audio technology is more power efficient than traditional micro speakers, which means people can play music and watch videos on their phones for longer between charges". But in the recent years, Google and other Alphabet subsidiaries have started focussing quite a lot on hardware products including Pixel smartphones, which seems like a good place to use the tech. The transfer of shares was confirmed on December 13 based on United Kingdom regulatory filings.

At the time, it said the sound quality was 'decent'. Stereo sound coming directly from the screens could make the phone look and sound slicker, and customers nostalgic for buttons and physical keyboards will spring for the improved haptic feedback.

Though Redux's website has been shut down, you can check out a web archive of the site where the company explains its technology and mentions that it has 177 total patents, with 115 of them granted. The current Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were criticized by some quarters for not trimming their bezels quite as aggressively as other devices on the market did. While the external space a speaker demands is one thing, it also occupies room inside the phone.

Google has made a concerted effort at CES to promote new features in its series of voice-controlled speakers. The Verge had some hands-on time with the company's tech a year ago, trying out a tablet which vibrated its screen to function as a speaker, as well as a number of displays that used haptic feedback to mimic the feel of buttons, sliders, and dials.

Redux has demoed its technology on smartphone and tablet displays, in the past, and that very well may be Google Inc (GOOG)'s core intended use for this exciting technology.

5 deputies shot, 1 fatally, in shooting near Denver
Donald Trump has tweeted his condolences to the victims of the shooting in Highlands Ranch suburb south of Denver, Colorado. Police in Colorado say a number of officers are "down" following a shooting incident outside Denver.

Millie Bobby Brown has lined up her next huge role
While it's somewhat unusual for the stars of the underaged set to have their own production company, it's not unheard of either. The project will be bankrolled by Alex Garcia and Ali Mendes under the banner of Legendary Entertainment .

New LG 4K UHD Projector Launching At CES
The company wants to tap the growing user base under the Home entertainment systems market for compact and affordable projectors. Models pose with LG Electronics Inc.'s 4K UHD projector in this photo released by the company on January 5, 2018.

Schools to open late Tuesday
One parent who spoke with CBS North Carolina said he thought the problems could have easily been avoided. Bus mechanics say it was mostly the older model school buses that struggled to thaw out Monday.

Amazon's Jeff Bezos now the richest person in history
The only others to surpass Gates as the world's richest person were Warren Buffett and Mexican business mogul Carlos Slim. Amazon's share price, and therefore Bezos' net worth, has jumped significantly since September.

Eden Hazard's Chelsea Future Thrown Into Serious Doubt
Chelsea will generally only commence formal negotiations with players who are in the final 24-months of their contracts. Hazard's current contract expires in 2020, and is himself believed to be in no immediate rush to sign fresh terms.